Stirling Mortlock knows all too well that trips to South Africa often hold the key to the ACT Brumbies' Super 12 rugby title hopes.

While it took the Brumbies until the fifth year of Super 12 rugby to record their first win in South Africa, it has been a happy hunting ground since then.

The Brumbies have made the Super 12 final every year since 2000 and in that time they've lost only one of their six games on South African soil.

However this week's opposition, the Sharks, hold a 3-0 ascendancy over the Brumbies on home turf.

"Three or four years ago we identified it (South Africa) as a place where we could increase our standing on the table," Brumbies outside centre Mortlock told AAP from South Africa.

Last year's finalists are coming off a close 22-19 victory against Queensland in wet conditions in Brisbane while the Sharks leave behind a 40-18 loss at the hands of the Stormers.

Two years ago the sides met in a tense Super 12 final in Canberra, which the Brumbies dominated 36-6.

Mortlock was the saviour last Saturday night for the Brumbies, kicking all his six attempts at goal as well providing his usual strong midfield running.

"I was pretty disappointed last year as I had an ankle injury and couldn't practice my goal-kicking," he said.

"I like to do my training to get my rhythm."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP